Three Bean Hot Dish
A hearty three-bean hot dish with savory ground meat, crispy bacon, and a tangy, sweet sauce perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. hamburger or deer burger ⓘ
- 1 lb. bacon, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can butter beans
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 1 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. liquid smoke
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. barbecue spice ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon, onion, and hamburger in a pan on the stove, stirring to break up the meat until browned.
- Drain the mixture.
- Place the cooked mixture into a crock-pot.
- Add kidney beans, pork and beans, butter beans, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- In a small bowl, combine ketchup, vinegar, dry mustard, brown sugar, liquid smoke, garlic salt, and barbecue spice; mix well.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the meat and bean mixture in the crock-pot.
- Mix until blended.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the hamburger and bacon with a mix of chopped mushrooms and lentils. You can also swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Experiment with your choice of beans based on what's available or your personal preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Toasted Cheese Sandwiches for a classic comfort food combo. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for added freshness, and consider serving a crisp green salad on the side to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it appears dry. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Bean Hot Dish contains roughly 732 calories, with 32g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 786mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of cooking and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before placing it in the crock-pot to ensure even cooking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I use instead of hamburger?
You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tempeh or a combination of beans and lentils to maintain a hearty texture while keeping it meat-free.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To control the spice level, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. If you want a milder flavor, omit any spicy ingredients and focus on the sweetness of the brown sugar and the smokiness from the liquid smoke. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).